What is the explanation of the narration from Ibn 'Umar, may Allah be pleased with him: "We used to fear speaking to and being at ease with our wives during the time of the Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, for fear that something (a revelation) might be revealed concerning us. But when the Prophet, may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him, passed away, we spoke and became at ease"?

The hadith indicates that the Companions avoided excessive speech and joking with their wives during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, fearing the revelation of Quranic verses that would blame them for it. However, after his passing, peace and blessings be upon him, they felt at ease and began to speak and be free with them. Ibn Hajar pointed out that what they refrained from was permissible, but they feared that a prohibition or a proscription might be revealed concerning it. Ibn Hubayra affirmed that a man's freedom with his wife through fondling and playing is permissible, and can even be an act of worship if the intention is good.